Mercado Santurce
La Placita de Santurce, 1348 C. Jose M. Raffucci, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mercado Santurce is a great place to get a feel for San Juan's culinary scene. Here you can see vendors hawking everything from fruits and veggies to hand-held bites and other prepared foods, and see where many of the city's restaurants source their produce. In the evenings, the surrounding Placita de Santurce comes to life with street-food vendors and crowds.
The market was founded over a century ago, and it continues to be a hub for the trade of fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients. There are also plenty of spots to eat in the area, many specializing in local favorites such as empanadas and bacalaítos (cod fritters). It’s a great place for foodies as well as for anyone in the mood to do a bit of people-watching.
The market is a must-see for both foodies looking to sample new snacks and for photographers.
Parking in the area can be challenging on Saturdays, so it’s better to take a taxi or use public transportation.
Come hungry—there are plenty of snack and lunch options in the market and in the immediate vicinity.
The market is located in the heart of San Juan, just south of Puerto Rico Highway 26 and about a 10-minute walk from the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. It's about a 10-minute drive from Old San Juan or about 35 to 50 minutes by bus (from Terminal Covadonga).
The Mercado Santurce is open Monday through Saturday from early in the morning until early evening; it's closed on Sundays. If you’re looking for the choicest produce, come first thing in the morning, but if you're just there to browse or take photos, any time will do. Late-week and weekend evenings are a great time to come for a festive experience—DJs sometimes perform here, too.
A short walk from the market, the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico (Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico) is a must-visit if you're interested in the culture and history of Puerto Rico. Here you'll find an excellent display of paintings and sculptures, some dating back to the 17th century.
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